Pats300zx
Super Moderator
Patrick...
PM sent..share the wealth
PM sent..share the wealth
PC operating systems
- Thread starter a.k.a. Patrick
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poweredbytorque
New member
You know about computers?
Yes-Vista
No-XP
Stick with XP unless you definitely know your way around computers...
Yes-Vista
No-XP
Stick with XP unless you definitely know your way around computers...
What a crazy thread to come across. Today while at work (IT) I was helping a fellow employee build a laptop that would suit his needs. I did both an XP Vostro 1500 and a Vista Business Version, with a price difference of $200-300 depending on hardware I strongly suggested the XP version.
Vista IMO is more about appearance, the functionality of XP is fine and gets the job done. For two people who have used XP for a while now and are not too computer literate when it comes to the technical side, XP would also be the most convenient for them to use.
If you are adventurous I would personally suggest an Apple Macbook, throw on VMware Fusion and run XP when needed for Quickbooks. I have a Macbook and run Server 2003, Windows XP Pro, and Vista Business from my Virtual Machine and I couldn't be more happy with the versatility I now have.
Vista IMO is more about appearance, the functionality of XP is fine and gets the job done. For two people who have used XP for a while now and are not too computer literate when it comes to the technical side, XP would also be the most convenient for them to use.
If you are adventurous I would personally suggest an Apple Macbook, throw on VMware Fusion and run XP when needed for Quickbooks. I have a Macbook and run Server 2003, Windows XP Pro, and Vista Business from my Virtual Machine and I couldn't be more happy with the versatility I now have.
topnotchtouch
New member
a.k.a. Patrick said:
I just placed my order for a Dell Inspiron 1520 with XP. I was having second thoughts about it but the wife just said go ahead and get it and if I outgrow it I can give it to the kids for school and get a faster one. How is that for a great wifey
I am not going to be doing anything spectacular with it. I am taking a C++ programming course right now and Visual Basic in the Spring. I am using Visual Studio 2005 for both courses. I will probably also use the machine for some work duties like Access database development and maybe use it to access campus resources via VPN for support calls when I am out of the office and away from home...
Pennypacker
New member
I vote for Ubuntu Linux.
...but if I had to use Windows, I would go with XP until there's better peripheral support for Vista. Plus, Vista's a resource hog.
...but if I had to use Windows, I would go with XP until there's better peripheral support for Vista. Plus, Vista's a resource hog.
topnotchtouch
New member
Pennypacker said:
My kids machine dual boots between XP and Ubuntu Gutsy Gibbon. While I do like Ubuntu I would also say give Linux Mint a try. It is based on Ubuntu but I think they actually managed to take it to the next level making it a more complete distro. Personally I like Mint just for the reason that I can't stand the Ubuntu theme
Linux Mint
a.k.a. Patrick
New member
*** ? Theres more then Windows and Leopard out there???
A Macbook would be nice, but at $1100.00 I walked. I will probably settle for the Dell at $399.00 (Free ship) It really has all I need:
AMD AthlonTM 64 X2 Dual-Core processor TK-53 (1.7GHz/512KB)
Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition
15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA LCD Anti-Glare Display
1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHZ, 2 Dimm
120GB 5400RPM Hard Drive
8X DVD+/-RW with double-layer DVD+R write capability, Cyberlink Power DVD
ATI Radeon® Xpress 1150 256MB HyperMemory™ (integrated)
Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Wi-Fi Mini Card
Pats300zx
Super Moderator
a.k.a. Patrick said:
Its a great deal Patrick. I pulled the trigger and got this one instead of the 1500. Can't beat it with the 1.7 ghz processor for $400
a.k.a. Patrick
New member
Im having a hard time ordering! Everytime I see the total, I think of my kids under the Christmas tree. Dad vs kids.........LMAO.
Its an outstanding deal Pat!
Its an outstanding deal Pat!
topnotchtouch
New member
Any of you with laptops have suggestions on a case? I am finding it almost as difficult to chose a case as it was to chose the laptop itself. Any suggestions???
Pats300zx
Super Moderator
rjstaaf said:
check out Ebags.com. They have a huge selection.
topnotchtouch
New member
Pats300zx said:
That is the problem, there are about a billion different bags. I have been to ebags.com and a lot of them look great but it is hard to really tell until you can get your hands on it. I was hoping for some first hand feedback.
I have done some poking around looking for reviews and it appears that Timbuk2 is a favorite. I found a couple that I really like and I am willing to spend a bit as I plan to carry the laptop back and forth to work every day so I wanted something that would last and protect the laptop well.
Right now I am leaning towards 2 different Timbuk2 bags.
Blogger - Timbuk2 Bags - Blogger
Original Commute - Timbuk2 Bags - Original Commute
BlackElantraGT
New member
a.k.a. Patrick said:
I just saw the specs when I looked at past deals on spoofee.com and based on those specs, I'd go with XP. I recently used a someone's laptop which was a newer, basic Dell laptop (can't remember which Inspiron model it was, but it was a lower end model) and with 2 GB of RAM and Vista Basic, it wasn't as speedy as I'd hope it would be, especially for a brand new computer.
I went from XP to Vista. Initially I hated Vista, after a few weeks I was used to it. Like someone said, all the stuff you need to know to personalize it is hidden and renamed. But once it's set up the way you like it, the only difference is appearance. For all other purposes, it runs exactly the same.
IOW, it's a PITA, but nothing fatal. MS would have been better off without it, but here it is. I'm not saying that I love Vista, but it isn't an issue any more.
IOW, it's a PITA, but nothing fatal. MS would have been better off without it, but here it is. I'm not saying that I love Vista, but it isn't an issue any more.
Pennypacker
New member
rjstaaf said:My kids machine dual boots between XP and Ubuntu Gutsy Gibbon. While I do like Ubuntu I would also say give Linux Mint a try. It is based on Ubuntu but I think they actually managed to take it to the next level making it a more complete distro. Personally I like Mint just for the reason that I can't stand the Ubuntu theme
Linux Mint
I did consider it, but one of the best advantages of Ubuntu is the huge support community and the seemingly endless options in the repositories. I just don't think Mint is there yet. I also like the fairly predictable OS updates with Ubuntu.
Pennypacker
New member
a.k.a. Patrick said:
Yeah, there's a third option.
Except for gaming, I've yet to find anything that I could do previously using Windows and Mac that I can't do with Linux. There's always the option of partitioning your hard drive and dual booting with Linux to give it a test drive. It's free as is any and all software you would likely need, so not much to lose.
Most distros including Ubuntu Gutsy can come in live cd form, too.
a.k.a. Patrick
New member
Ok, I missed out on the Dell package due to financial stupidity. Looks like I will be at Best Buy in the early A.M. seeking a similiar Sony Vaio model, same price but with Vista.......Should I have reservations about moving to Vista while running a business off of XP ?
topnotchtouch
New member
What applications do you need to run Patrick?
BlackElantraGT
New member
Pat, good luck at Best Buy. I watched the news last night and it looks like people were already camped outside looking to score the BF deals. I haven't even had a chance to see what the deals are going to be since I figured I'm probably going to pass on the chaotic BF mess.